She shook her head more in disbelief than refusal. No matter what she said or did, his decision was final. “I can’t believe you. For three years, I’ve been at your side researching this new drug, applying over and over to get it FDA approved, interviewing and researching the right candidates for this trial...”

“And you did great work.”

Was that a compliment? She couldn’t tell by the patronizing tone.

“I want to stay on.” She deserved to be there when the drug was a success, when her father and the team were awarded the Lister Medal, which she knew in her heart would happen.

How could he not see that? How could he not want her to have that?

“I’ve asked Tim to step up and he’s agreed.” He touched her arm, but the gesture was more disciplinary in nature than affectionate. A silent reminder that they had an audience and not to make a scene. He’d been silencing her emotions that way for years. She stiffened and moved away.

No matter what she did, no matter how hard she worked, nothing would be good enough for him. She’d learned to accept that. But now, he was taking away something that belonged to her as much as anyone else in that room, maybe more so... Something deeply personal as well as professional. “I disagree with that decision. Tim lacks the experience I have.” He couldn’t argue with that.

“True. But he’ll catch up quickly.”

Logic was dissipating, emotion taking over for probably the first time ever regarding her career. “I don’t understand.”

“I sent you emails today looking for updates on subjects 65 and 34.”

Subjects. No, patients. Real people. Mr. Keely and Mrs. Somers. Patients she’d actually gotten to know the last few days, and now she had a very personal interest in seeing them benefit from these trials. It wasn’t just about the drug anymore. She fought the urge to correct him. “I was just replying to those emails, and as I mentioned, those candidates were not available.”

“I shouldn’t have had to send the follow-up emails. A month ago, you’d have already sent the updates about those subjects without me asking for them.”

She swallowed hard. That was probably true, but the hospital emergency department had been crazy that week and she’d thought he’d remember that he’d approved their exclusion...excuses. He’d only hear excuses. That’s all they were. She’d set expectations with her past work ethic and in recent weeks, those standards had slipped a little.

She’d accepted it. But she couldn’t expect her father to. “Yes, sir.”

“I have to get back in there,” he said, turning and disappearing into the room. “CC Tim on your replies.”